Roger Gracie Academy HQ Review – The Legendary London Home of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lives Up to Every Bit of the Hype Introduction As a travelling BJJ enthusiast always chasing the best mats, I couldn't visit London without making a pilgrimage to Roger Gracie Academy HQ in Hammersmith. Roger Gracie – 10-time IBJJF World Champion, absolute legend of the gi, and grandson of Carlos Gracie – runs what many call one of the premier academies in the world. The rep is massive: ultra-tech

How to Get Good at BJJ Faster: Accelerate Your Progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most rewarding martial arts out there, but it's notoriously slow to master. The famous "10-year black belt" timeline isn't a myth—most people take 8–12 years of consistent training to reach that level. Yet some practitioners seem to skyrocket ahead, earning stripes and promotions faster than average, while others plateau for years. The good news? You can dram

10 Top Tips To Win BJJ Competitions Competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) tournaments is one of the ultimate tests of skill, preparation, and mindset. Whether you're a white belt entering your first local event or a seasoned black belt chasing gold at ADCC-level tournaments, winning requires more than just technique—it demands smart strategy, physical readiness, mental toughness, and execution under pressure. The best competitors, from Gordon Ryan to elite coaches like John

Gordon Ryan's BJJ Grappling System Gordon Ryan's system in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), particularly in the no-gi context, is one of the most influential and detailed frameworks in modern grappling. As the most dominant no-gi competitor of his era—multiple-time ADCC champion and widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time—Ryan's approach stems from his collaboration with coach John Danaher and the New Wave / Danaher Death Squad ecosystem. It emphasizes systematic, high-p

Closed Guard Basics: A Comprehensive Guide to This Fundamental BJJ Position Introduction To Closed Guard Basics In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, few positions embody the essence of the art quite like the closed guard. Often referred to as the "full guard" or simply "closed guard," this foundational technique turns the bottom position into a fortress of control, offense, and defense. For beginners, it's a safe haven to learn the ropes; for advanced practitioners, it's a la

Mastering the Cross Collar Choke: Your Ultimate Guide to Dominating in BJJ Hey there, BJJ enthusiasts! If you're rolling on the mats and looking to level up your submission game, few techniques pack as much punch—or should I say squeeze—as the cross collar choke. Also known as the "juji jime" in its judo roots or simply the "cross choke" in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu circles, this gi-based submission is a staple for white belts learning the fundamentals and black belts refining thei

Murilo Bustamante Profile: The Pioneering Champion Who Built an MMA Empire In the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA), Murilo Bustamante stands as one of the most accomplished and influential figures of his generation. Born on July 30, 1966, in the scenic Arpoador neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Bustamante transitioned from dreams of professional surfing to becoming a world-class grappler, UFC Middleweight Champion, and co-founder of Br

Zé Mario Sperry Profile: The Zen Machine – A Titan of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA In the pantheon of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) legends, few names evoke as much respect for raw competitiveness, technical mastery, and pioneering spirit as José Mario Sperry, better known as Zé Mario Sperry or "Zen Machine." Born on September 28, 1966, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Sperry rose from a background blending judo roots, military discipline, and elite Carlson Gracie training to become a thr

Oswaldo Fadda Profile: The Pioneer Who Democratized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu In the rich tapestry of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), few figures embody the spirit of accessibility and resilience quite like Oswaldo Baptista Fadda. Born into humble beginnings in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, Fadda rose to become a ninth-degree red belt master, challenging the elitist norms of the martial art and spreading its teachings to the underprivileged masses. Often overshadowed by the dominant Gr

Carley Gracie Profile: The Lion of the Gracie Family   Carley Gracie, born on January 10, 1952, off the coast of Natal, Brazil, is a Brazilian-American martial artist, grandmaster, and pivotal figure in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). As the 11th child of Carlos Gracie Sr., the patriarch and founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Carley grew up immersed in a legacy of martial arts innovation and family rivalry. Nicknamed "The Lion of the Gracie Family" for his fierce competitiv

Rorion Gracie Profile: The Architect of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu's Global Dominance   Rorion Gracie, born on January 10, 1952, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a Brazilian-American grandmaster of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA). As the eldest son of Hélio Gracie, the legendary co-founder of the Gracie style alongside his brother Carlos Gracie Sr., Rorion holds a 9th-degree r

Legion American Jiu Jitsu (San Diego) review – The Legendary Sunday Open Mat Lives Up to the Hype   I was working in LA at a trade show and had the weekend free. When I asked around for where I could go and train at the weekend, San Diego kept coming up – it’s not exactly round the corner from LA, but I was repeatedly told to attend the open mat on Sunday at Legion American Jiu Jitsu, just north of S.D. So we headed south for the weekend and pulled into a parking lot which wa

The Influence Of Wrestling On BJJ Guards Wrestling has profoundly shaped Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), particularly in how guards are played, defended, and attacked. While BJJ's core philosophy emphasizes leverage, submissions, and ground control—largely derived from Judo and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu—wrestling's influence has introduced explosive movement, relentless top pressure, positional dominance, and a "wrestle-up" mentality that prioritizes regaining top position from bottom gu

Mastering the Half Guard: The Ultimate Bottom Game Weapon in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu   In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), few positions embody resilience, creativity, and offensive potential quite like the half guard. Once viewed as a mere transitional phase or desperate defense against a guard pass, the half guard has evolved into one of the most powerful and versatile tools in a grappler's arsenal. From sweeping larger opponents to launching submissions and chaining attacks, the hal

Mastering the K Guard: A Comprehensive Guide to This Dynamic BJJ Position   In the ever-evolving world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), guard positions are the foundation of a strong bottom game. Among the myriad options available to practitioners, the K Guard stands out as a versatile and powerful tool that blends control, offense, and defense seamlessly. Whether you are a beginner looking to expand your open guard arsenal or an advanced competitor seeking new ways to unbalance

10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Torrance Review – A Real Gem Of A No-Gi Academy in the South Bay   We recently sent one of our team to check out 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, Torrance in L.A. for a few sessions. Situated at 24433 Hawthorne Blvd in Torrance, CA, this academy is part of Eddie Bravo's innovative no-gi system and network. We really just wanted to go and try out the 10 th Planet system and training approach, and in the end, the experience exceeded our expectations in many ways.

The Berimbolo: A Twisting Path to Dominance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Hey there, fellow grapplers and BJJ enthusiasts! If you've ever watched a high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match and wondered how those slick athletes end up on their opponent's back in the blink of an eye, chances are you've witnessed the magic of the berimbolo. This technique has become a staple in modern BJJ, especially in the lighter weight classes, where agility and inversion reign supreme. In this blog pos

The De La Riva Guard in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: The Mother of Modern Guards   In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), few positions have had as profound an impact on the evolution of the sport as the De La Riva Guard (often abbreviated as DLR). This open guard variation, characterized by an outside hook on the opponent's lead leg, has become a foundational tool for guard players worldwide. It revolutionized how smaller practitioners handle larger, aggressive opponents and served as the l

The Worm Guard in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Revolutionizing the Guard Game   In the ever-evolving world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), few innovations have sparked as much debate, admiration, and frustration as the Worm Guard. This gi-specific position, which cleverly utilizes an opponent's lapel to create unprecedented control, has transformed how practitioners approach open guard play. Whether you're a seasoned black belt or a white belt just starting out, understanding the Worm

Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) later in life can feel intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. I’ve learned that with the right mindset and approach, BJJ is accessible and rewarding for older beginners. This guide will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and why BJJ is a fantastic choice for anyone starting later. Whether you’re 40, 50, or beyond, you can build skills, confidence, and fitness on the mats. Why Choose BJJ for Older Learners? BJJ is often seen a